Roundup: Hamlet Update, VersoFest Finale, A Better Chance Honor …

Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell offers this update on the Hamlet at Saugatuck project:

Tonight (Monday, April 7, 6 p.m., Zoom), the third agenda item will be a discussion of the proposal.

April 28 is the date for public comment only, in person at Town Hall.

The Flood & Erosion Control Board met last week, and continued their Hamlet hearing to May 7. That may disrupt the Conservation Commission schedule, which is currently set for April 23 and 30.

The Architectural Review Board meets on April 10. They have not yet completed their review of the project.

Mandell says: “P&Z will go deep into May at this point” in its Hamlet discussion. “June is looking more and more a reality.”

The RTM member adds: “There are still other pieces – an 8-24 for use of town property will also need to be filed with P&Z, and that could slow up the timeline.

“The Historic District Commission will have to weigh in as well, as every building involved is under their jurisdiction, not just the historic ones on Railroad Place. The Board of Selectwomen acting as the Traffic Authority will also need to render decision on traffic and parking issues.

“A group of citizens, concerned with the impacts of the project, and calling itself the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck has formed and has become active.” Click here for their website.

Click here, then scroll down for all pending applications and recent approvals related to the Hamlet at Saugatuck.

The 21 Charles Street office building would be renovated, in the Hamlet’s plans. This view looks north on Charles Street. Franklin Street would become two-way — but only between Charles Street and Railroad Place (right side of rendering).

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Four great days of the 4th annual VersoFest ended yesterday.

Paul Shaffer — legendary “Saturday Night Live” performer, and musical director for both David Letterman and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — entertained a capacity Westport Library crowd.

He chatted with fellow “SNL” alum (and iconic Beehive Queen) Christine Ohlman. (He brought jingle bells too, in homage to Darlene Love’s famous
“Baby Please Come Home” Letterman appearances at Christmas.)

Paul Shaffer and Christine Ohlman. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

VersoFest is a huge undertaking. Congratulations to all who helped bring Patti Smith, the Wallflowers, 5iveFingaz, Bruce Springsteen’s people, and so much more to the “loudest library on earth.”

Speaking of which: The website I Love Libraries just gave it a shoutout.

The story — “The Hippest Damn Library in the Country” includes that exact quote from Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz.

It adds Doors drummer John Densmore’s description: “The coolest damn library, ever.”

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Dennis Jackson)

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At the risk of sounding self-promotional — but with the goal of promoting one of my favorite organizations in Westport — I pass along the news that A Better Chance of Westport is honoring me with their first-ever “Community Ally Award.”

It will be presented at the annual Dream Event gala (April 26, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

It’s a huge honor, for sure, and one that could be given to countless men and women who have helped the non-profit thrive over more than 2 decades, as it has provided educational and life benefits to dozens of young men of color from less-advantaged communities.

I will be thinking of all of them at the fundraiser. And I’ll be honored to honor the scholars themselves.

The highlight — as always — will be the speeches by the graduating seniors, and a returning alum (this year, Yoel Hooper-Antunez).

Click here for tickets, and more information. I hope to see you there!

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The gateways to Westport just got a nice more welcoming.

This past weekend, 6 Rotary Club signs were updated. They include the new Rotary International logo, and include a 4-sided inspirational message.

It is a wish for peace to prevail in our homes, schools, communities, and on earth.

Westport’s 2 Rotary Clubs worked together on the project, with global peace builders Rick Benson and Dennis Wong.

The signs are at I-95 Exit 17 (on the northbound island); the Sherwood Island Connector across from the transfer station; Post Road East, at the Southport line; Post Road West, in front of Whole Foods; Merritt Parkway Exit 41, across from the former Red Barn restaurant, and on Route 136 near Norwalk.

The sign by Merritt Parkway Exit 42 disappeared a few years ago.

Rotary sign near Merritt Parkway Exit 41.

In addition, a peace pole was installed at Compo Beach. It’s part of the renovation of the playground — a major project of the Westport Rotary Club, in honor of its 100th anniversary.

Compo Beach playground peace pole. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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The new documentary short adaptation of “America’s Lost Band” — the story about The Remains, the legendary-but-never-quite-made-it band with Westporters Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs, who opened for the Beatles on their final US tour — is drawing plenty of attention.

Feature stories in the Boston Globe, Deadline Hollywood and Hartford Courant have praised the film, and shined a new light on the rock group.

Rock at Night called it a “priceless documentary.” It’s produced by longtime Remains fan — and 1971 Staples High School graduate — Fred Cantor.

Interested? Tonight (Monday, 9:30 p.m.) “America’s Lost Band” has its television premiere on CPTV.

Tomorrow (Tuesday), it begins streaming on PBS platforms, and YouTube.

Click here for more details, and streaming links.

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Speaking of music: On Friday, high school jazz ensembles from around Connecticut — and as far away as Montreal — performed in the Essentially Ellington Competition & Festival at Greenwich High School.

Of course, Staples was there.

And of course, conductor Kevin Mazzarella’s musicians sounded superb.

Bands performed from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. Two hours were set aside for instrumental master classes, and a performance by the faculty ensemble.

Staples Jazz Ensemble, with conductor Kevin Mazzarella (far left). (Hat tip and photo/Michael Mossman)

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Just added to the Levitt Pavilion calendar: The Disco Biscuits’ 30th anniversary tour (June 28, 7 p.m.).

The Philadelphia group pioneered “Trance-Fusion” — bridging the gap between electronic dance music and jam rock.

Members pre-sale tickets are available today (Monday), at 10 a.m. Tickets for the general public begin Friday (April 11, 10 a.m.). Click here to order.

The Disco Biscuts

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Among the upcoming events sponsored by Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport (which, if you think of it, encompasses just about everyone in town):

Spring coffee (April 11, 10 a.m., Mrs. London’s Bakery). Email membership@neighborsandnewcomersofwestport.com for more information.

Book group (April 24): “Olga Dies Dreaming,” by Xochitl Gonzalez). Email pohal@aol.com for details.

Cooking group (April 23): Alice in Wonderland High Tea: Themed dishes like
“Eat Me” cookies, tea sandwiches, scones and imaginative pastries; appropriate dress optional. Email mia.goldman@yahoo.com for details.

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Is there any bird more interesting-looking than a barred owl?

We’ve highlighted a few before in our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But we’re always up for another good shot of this unique species.

Cathy Malkin spotted this guy on Oakview Circle:

(Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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And finally … in honor of the Staples Jazz Ensemble’s appearance at the Essentially Ellington event (story above):

(Welcome to another week — and another week of “06880” Roundups. As always, we’ll bring you tons of information, and news you can use. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)